Review: BodyGuardz Protective Skin for iPhone 3G

The BodyGuardz Protective Skin for iPhone 3G is available now in the iMore Store for $24.95. It is a thin, clear, protective film that covers almost the entire body of your iPhone 3G - screen, back, top, bottom, and sides, yet still gives your iPhone the "naked" look and adds virtually no bulk while offering protection against scratches and scuffing. Read on for the full review and see if it's right for YOUR iPhone 3G.

What's In The Box?

Upon opening the BodyGuardz package, the inside cover contains detailed instructions and hints for installation of the scratch-proof transparent film. There is also a helpful tip referring you to their web site (bodyguardz.com) for How to install instruction videos. A pocket on the inside of the front jacket contains two (2) complete BodyGuardz transparent film sets and installation diagram.

On the right side of the package is a spray "tube" of application solution (harmless water and baby shampoo) and a credit card-like "squeegee" applicator. You definitely want all of these tools to do the job right.

Installation and Performance

Installing the BodyGuardz transparent film may look very intimidating at first. I've used similar products on other devices and had them "professionally" installed at mall kiosks. For purposes of this review, I did this installation all by my lonesome, and I have to say, it wasn't as difficult as I thought. The instructions are pretty straight-forward and the videos on the BodyGuardz web site are helpful.

The secret is using enough of the solution to make your job easy. Make sure you have solution on your fingers at all times - it's a safeguard against your fingers sticking to the film. You also want to be sure to handle the outside of the film to avoid leaving fingerprints on the tacky side that will apply to your iPhone. Just slowly remove the film from it's backing, spraying the sticky side with solution as you go, and then apply the pieces of film to the appropriate locations on your iPhone. The screen protector is the easiest, then it gets a little more tricky as you apply the film to the rounded corners of your iPhone.

If you use enough solution, I found that installation was much easier because the film will "float" a little on the surface areas of your iPhone and allow you to move them more easily into position. As the water starts to dry, the film gets more tacky and sticks in place better. This is particularly helpful to know when installing around the corners. As the film gets more tacky as it dries, just press and hold the corners in place until they stick on their own.

Once the film is applied, there will likely be tons of bubbles where moisture is trapped between the film and your iPhone. Don't let this be a big worry. Just use the squeegee to smooth out the bubbles, carefully pushing them to the edges where most of the moisture can escape. It's recommended that you allow your iPhone to sit overnight without being placed in a case or pocket - you need to allow the film enough time to "cure" so it adheres to your iPhone. Once in place and dry, the film will stay put and won't come off. You can peel it off later without leaving any residue if you want, but until that time, the BodyGuardz will stay on your iPhone and protect it from scratches and scrapes.

The nice thing about using the BodyGuardz transparent film to protect your iPhone is that it adds minimal bulk, it shows off the sleek design and color of your iPhone, and it does a fantastic job of protecting against scratches and scrapes. It is also a good idea to apply BodyGuardz before using another kind of case. I've learned through sad experience that some cases, although designed to protect your iPhone, can cause scratches over time as dirt and dust get trapped between the case and your iPhone. There are some downsides to using BodyGuardz. First, it adds just enough bulk to your iPhone that some form-fitting cases, particularly the hard cases, may not fit properly. Second, over time the film can get dirty and start to peel around the edges if you aren't careful. Sometimes this can be remedied if you keep it clean and reapply the corners with a little moisture and curing. Finally, it offers no protection from harmful impacts. Also, it may be a little bit on the pricey side at $24.95. But, that price does include two (2) sets of BodyGuardz.

Conclusion

The BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent film is an excellent way to protect your iPhone and still give it that "naked" look. It's moderately easy to apply and stays put once everything dries. It does a fabulous job protecting your iPhone from scratches and scrapes, but is not recommended for protection in the event of accidental (or intentional) drops to the ground. It may create a problem if you want to use a hard form-fitting case. Personally, I like it enough that it's still on my iPhone and will stay there as long as I have the phone. You can get BodyGuardzhere in the iMore Store for $24.95.

Pros

Adds minimal bulk

Clear film to show off your iPhone

Moderately easy at-home installation

Protects against scratches and scrapes

Cons

Adds enough bulk that hard form-fitting cases may not fit properly

Offers no protection for damaging impacts

Can start peeling off on the corners over time; wear and tear

A little pricey at $24.95

Post Script: In my opinion, the Pros far outweigh the Cons - I just want you to be fully informed!